By Jacob Mathias

A muralist and design for the installation of a new mural in Downtown Stevens Point has been chosen.

The Arts Alliance of Portage County has chosen local artist Alexander Landerman to paint a new mural on the western exterior wall of the Divepoint Scuba and Paddle Adventure Center. Landerman is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, a local teach and featured artist. The mural features two foxes and the German adage, “What the lion cannot manage, the fox can.”

“It’s a great concept to capture the smart and cunning small community that Stevens Point has,” said Greg Wright, executive director of the Arts Alliance.

Wright said the group wanted to create public art pieces that would continue Stevens Point’s reputation as a mural community, but to also push past the historic themes and include modern art murals.

The city currently has five murals in the downtown area depicting important events and people in the city’s history.

“Stevens Point has great murals all over the place and we want to continue that but we also want to push the art conversation forward a little bit by focusing a little bit more on public art and creating some unique spaces downtown,” said Wright.

In his artist’s statement, Landerman said:

“The independent shop owner is a specialist in their field. They possess knowledge of their products and a love for the services they provide that surpasses that of a large chain store. This is reflected in the proverb ‘What the lion cannot manage, the fox can.’ This mural will pay tribute to the local shop owners that make Stevens Point so uniquely special. It is my hope to create a piece of artwork that contributes to the beautification of our downtown and encourages future generations to pursue a career in art.”

Bob and Carrie Butts, owners of Divepoint, said they are very excited about the mural being applied to their building.

“The way it stands, it’s such an ugly eyesore,” said Carrie Butts.

Butts said she hopes to use time-lapse photography and document the changes to her building as they happen.

Wright said some funds still need to be raised and the wall needs to be cleaned but he hopes Landerman can start soon and have a finished product by winter.

The Arts Alliance of Portage County is a nonprofit advocacy group that focuses on creating and engaging in arts and culture across the county.

To donate to the mural, click here.